If you have come here wondering How hard is the PMP Exam you’re at the right place. Project Management Professional (PMP) exam is administered by Project Management Institute (PMI) to certify individuals as Project Manager Professionals. PMP certification is globally recognized and tests the candidate’s ability to manage projects professionally and efficiently.
PMP certification is an important credential for Project Managers that can help them advance their careers and take on additional responsibilities. The PMP exam can be difficult, and many wonder how much time is needed to prepare and finish the PMP exam. In this blog, we will learn about the PMP exam and how much time is required to complete it. We will also discuss strategies and tips to ace the exam.
Eligibility to take up the PMP exam
There are a few prerequisites for taking the exam. To be eligible, you need certain months of project management experience. If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you need to have 60 months of experience in leading projects, and if you have a bachelor’s degree, you need to have 36 months of experience in leading projects.
The 35 hours of professional development or “contact hours” remain the same in both cases. The work experience must be in each process group of planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing.
Time required to finish the PMP exam
The PMP exam is for project managers and is taken up by professionals already working full-time. In such cases, it is essential to remember that time will be your biggest challenge, and giving a long enough time frame to finish the PMP exam successfully is vital.
Apart from time, other factors like work experience, education level, learning speed, and resources can affect the time you might require to complete the exam. On average, 10-12 weeks of solid preparation time is needed to finish the PMP exam.
But again, the time frame can vary depending on your capabilities. Getting the final PMP certification or even completing the PMP exam can be a lengthy process, and it is recommended to submit the application first and then decide on the date for the exam.
Estimating time to complete with PMBOK guide
PMBOK guide is published by the PMI and contains the latest practices and methodologies in project management. PMBOK has ten knowledge areas, and each section can take an average of one week to complete.
Considering the ten sections, about ten weeks of preparation is ideal for successfully cracking the PMP exam. After completing the PMBOK guide, you can use practice tests to better prepare for the exam.
Timeline to finish the PMP exam
The process of application and writing the exam can take a very long and you should consider that in the timeline to finish the PMP exam. To complete the required 35 hours of professional development, you must go through a PMP certification training course.
Note: Only Authorized Training Partners (ATP) are approved to provide PDUs by the PMI and 35 hours of professional development. Make sure to choose a course provider authorized by ATP. You will not need 35 hours of professional development if you already hold a CAPM certification.
Getting a date fixed for the PMP exam can take time, as you can only apply after getting 35 hours of “contact hours” with CAPM or PMP certifications. The PMI will review and approve your application, which might take a few days or a couple of weeks.
Only after you receive the confirmation can you select the exam date. Consider the time you might require to complete your preparation with some buffer. 12-15 weeks from the confirmation day is enough time to schedule
Five tips to prepare for the PMP Exam
Here are five essential tips to prepare for the PMP exam:
- Make a study plan: It is essential to have a weekly fixed time for efficient preparation. You would probably work full-time, so use weekends and off days for preparation. For instance, if you commit 7 hours per week, you can prepare 1 hour a day or 2 hours every alternate day and an hour extra on the weekend.
- Notes are your friends: Jot down formulae, key concepts, and hints for revision. Notes are handy in keeping things fresh in mind and keeping all important concepts in one place.
- Practice, practice, and practice: Find mock papers and practice tests online (usually free) to gauge your ability to crack the exam.
- Review your weaknesses: Analyse the practice tests and see where you are lacking. Put some extra effort into the areas where you think are weak and work on them.
- Ace the exam!
Conclusion
In reality, the PMP exam is difficult, but you don’t need to prepare for the exam with that attitude. Make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare so that you are confident. Register for a PMP certification training course with instructors if you need extra help.
With proper planning and enough practice, you can successfully finish the PMP exam in the least amount of time possible and get the PMP certification to boost your career in project management.
